Automatically releasable connectors

ABSTRACT

A connector device having a sealed pressure housing, a clevis and hook-type releasable coupling connected to one end of the housing, spring-biased rotatable control means in the housing and extending outwardly thereof to lock the hook against uncoupling when the control means is armed, electromagnetic locking means which when energized releases the control means for rotation by its bias to effect decoupling.

United States Patent Filed lnventor George R. Perez Alexandria, Va. 22,759

Mar. 26, 1970 Sept. 7, 1971 AMF Incorporated App]. No.

Patented Assignee AUTOMATICALLY RELEASABLE CONNECTORS 8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

U.S. CL 24/230,

294/83, 9/8, 102/13 Int. CL A44b 21/00 Field of Search 294/83;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,414,725 1/1947 Dunn 24/230 3,142,102 7/1964 Saunders 24/230 3,287,781 11/1966 Perez et a1. 24/230 Primary Examiner Bobby R. Gay Assistant Examiner-Garry Moore Attomeys-George W. Price and Charles J. Worth ABSTRACT: A connector device having a sealed pressure housing, aclevis and hook-type releasable coupling connected to one end of the housing, spring-biased rotatable control means in the housing and extending outwardly thereof to lock the hook against uncoupling when the control means is armed, electromagnetic locking means which when energized releases the control means for rotation by its bias to effect decoupling.

PATENTEDSEP 7am SHEET 1 [IF 3 GEORG PEREZ BY flaw.

AGENT PATENTEDSEP 1:971 3,602.959

sum 3 or 3 INVI'JN'I'OR. GEORGE RJ'EREZ AGENT AUTOMATICALLY RELEASABLE CONNECTORS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to automatically releasable connectors and more particularly to such devices specially applicable to underwater use, as of the type for releasably connecting a buoyant object or device to an anchor line or the like.

In numerous fields, there are requirements for line connector devices which can be released automatically, as at the end of a predetermined time period or in response to a signal from a remote point, and are capable of sustaining relatively large tension loads under rigorous environmental conditions. In oceanographic work, for example, it is frequently necessary to releasably secure a buoy or buoyant package to an anchor line at a location which may be of substantial depth beneath the surface of the water and to release the same after it has been submerged for a predetermined time, or as desired, in response to a signal from a transmitter at the surface.

An object of the present invention is to provide a connector device capable of withstanding relatively large loads and of being automatically released with dependability, accuracy and speed in response to a command signal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatically releasable connector means which is of generally rugged arid uncomplicated construction.

And, another object of the present invention is to provide an automatically releasable coupling means which is insensitive to pressure and other environmental conditions such as encountered in oceanographic work.

Still, another object of the present invention is to provide the foregoing coupling means which requires no particular skills to be armed for use, and is retrievable intact for further future use.

Briefly, the present invention contemplates a connector device having a pressure housing, releasable coupling means comprising a clevis connected externally at one end of the housing and a hook member pivotally connected to the clevis, and rotatable control means disposed in the housing and extending outwardly therefrom holding, when armed, the hook member in a coupling position and releasing, when disarmed, the hook member for pivotal movement to an uncoupling position. The control means is manually anned against a biasing force, and means is provided within the housing for maintaining the control means in its armed condition and, in response to a valid signal, for releasing the control means for rotation to its disarmed condition.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear more fully hereinafter from a considerationof the detailed description which follows, taken together with the accompanying drawing wherein one embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing is for illustration purposes only and is not to be construed as defining the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1V is a pictorial representation of a connector device employing a releasable coupling mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector device of FIG. 1 with portions of normally enclosed equipment removed therefrom.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the power section of the connector device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the releasable coupling mechanism of FIG. 2, in locked condition.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 5 showing the coupling portion of the mechanism in the decoupled or released position.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional views taken on line 77 of FIG. 4 with the mechanism thereof shown in alternate positions.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT For a better understanding, the environment of the invention should be first considered. As shown in FIG. I, a connector device C, employing a releasable coupling mechanism in accordance with the present invention, connects a buoy B. or another buoyant package of instrumentation or equipment, to an anchor A for keeping the buoy submerged In response to a valid signal, either from a remote source or onethat is time Initiated, the novel coupling mechanism of the connector device C is activated to automatically release the line of the anchor A thereby pennitting the buoy B to rise to the surface of the water where it is retrieved with the connector device C intact.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the connector device C is provided with a signal receiver means, such as a piezoelectric transducer 11, mounted externally on the upper end plate assembly 10. A cage 13, which provides a connection 14 for the line of the buoy B, surrounds the receiver means or transducer 11 and also is connected to the end plate assembly 10.

An electronics package 15 is provided between an internal plate 12, of the assembly 10, at one end and a similar plate or wall 16 at its other end. A power section 20, providing the connector device C with a self-contained energy source, is disposed between the plate 16 and a mounting plate 17. The power section 20 (see also FIG. 3) consists primarily of a battery mount 21 and a capacitance 22.

The lock and release assembly 40 of the novel releasable coupling mechanism is disposed between the mounting plate 17 and a bottom end plate assembly 25 of the connector device C. A plurality of tie rods 19 extend between the plate 16 and the end plate assembly 25, through the mounting plate 17. Each tie is provided with a spacer 18 between the plates 16 and 17-, and a spacer 28 between the plate 17 and the assembly 25. The pressure housing of the connector device C is provided by a tubular casing 29 which extends between the plate assemblies 10 and 25, and is suitably sealed against leakage at its ends.

Referring also to FIGS. 4 to 6, the coupling or connection for the anchor line is external of the connector device C, and comprises a clevis or fork member 30 and a hook member 36 pivotally connected together by a clevis pin or shaft member 39. The clevis 30 has a pair of spaced parallel legs 31, each provided at one end with an open ended slot 32 and connected at its other end to the other leg 31 by a bight 33. The bight 33 is provided with a tubular portion 34 which extends axially in a direction away from the legs 31 and through a central opening 27 in the plate 26 of the end plate assembly 25. The tubular portion 34 receives a nut 35 to lock the clevis 30 in place to the end plate 26. The hook member 36 is provided with a lug or head portion 38 at its end adjacent the bight 33, and with an open slot 37 in its front edge adjacent its other end.

When the hook member 36 is in its locked position, as shown in FIG. 5, the slot 37 is rotated or ofiset from the slots 32 with the coincident portions of the three slots aligned on an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the clevis pin 39. Accordingly, the side of slot 37 effectively prevents the end of an anchor line from escaping from the slots 32. The clevis pin 39 is offset above and to the rear of slots 32 and 37 so that the load or tension on the connector device C exerted by the captive anchor line will cause the hook member 36 to rotate, when unlocked or released for uncoupling, to its position shown in FIG. 6 thereby freeing the anchor line from the connector device C.

The lock and release or control assembly 40 is provided with a rotatable shaft 41 which extends through the opening provided by the bight 33 and mounting portion 34 of the clevis 30, and terminates in an enlarged free end or collar portion 42 with an open ended slot 43 for receiving and retaining the lug 38. When the slot 43 is disposed substantially parallel to the clevis pin 39 or transverse to the plane of the hook 36, as in FIG. 5, the lug 38 cannot escape and the hook 36 is locked in its coupling position. When the shaft 41 is rotated to its unlocked position thereby aligning the slot 43 with the plane of the hook 36, as in FIG. 6, the lug 38 is free to leave through the open end of the slot 43 thereby permitting the hook 36 to rotate on the pin 39 to its uncoupling position.

Referring also to FIGS. 7 and 8, the control assembly 40 within the connector device C includes a cam or cam plate 44 with a hub portion 45 mounted on the shaft 41 for rotation in unison. The edge of the cam plate 44 is provided with a recess 'or track 46, in which is disposed a bumper or stop member 47, and an indent or seat 48. The bumper or stop 47 is mounted on plate 17 and is provided to engage the ends of the recess or track 46 to limit the rotation of the cam 44 and shaft 41 between a locked or armed position, as shown in FIGS. 4, and 7, and an unlocked or disarmed position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.

A cam follower means 50 is provided with a roller 51 mounted at one end of an arm 52 which pivots at its other end on one of the tie rods 19. A plate member 53 is connected to the arm 52 and receives one end of a biasing spring 54 which is held at its other end by one of the spacers 28. The spring 54 biases the follower means 50 to hold the roller 51 against the edge of the cam plate 44 and to urge the roller 51 into the indent or seat 48 when the cam 44 and shaft 45 are in the locked or armed position.

A coil spring 55, under tension, is mounted on the hub 45 with one of its ends retained by the tie rod pivot 19 for the follower means 50 and the other end connected by means 49 to the cam plate 44. The force of the spring 55 urges the cam plate 44 to rotate with shaft 41 from the locked or armed position to the unlocked or disarmed position. The initial rotation of the cam plate 44 causes the roller or detent 51 to move out of the seat or indent 48 thereby freeing the cam plate 44 for further rotation.

To maintain the lock and release or control assembly 40 in locked or armed condition, a solenoid 56 is mounted on the wall 17 and has a forwardly biased plunger 57 to engage the edge of the plate 53, as shown in FIG. 7, thereby preventing the cam follower means 50 from pivoting to hold the roller or detent 51 in the seat or indent 48. The plunger 57 also extends rearwardly through the wall 17, see particularly FIGS. 3 and 4, where it is engaged and forwardly biased by a leaf spring 58 mounted on the wall 17 in the power section 20. A normally open (N.O.) switch 59, preferably, is provided in the power section and is closed or actuated by the leaf spring 58 as it is deflected by retraction of the plunger 57 when the solenoid 56 is energized. It should be understood that the connector device C is provided with suitable bearings and seals, as is usual, where they are required.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION As to operation of the novel releasable coupling means, initially the clevis pin 39 and hook member are removed, the control assembly 40 is considered to be held in the unlocked or disarmed condition by the spring 55, and the solenoid 56 will be deenergized with its plunger 57 biased against the side of the follower plate 53 by the leaf spring 58.

A handtool T (see FIG. 2) is inserted between the legs 31 of the clevis 30 and the end of the tool T is fitted on the slotted enlarged head 42 of the shaft 41. The tool T is then turned approximately 90 clockwise thereby rotating the shaft 41 and cam plate 44 to the locked or armed position. As the plate 44 arrives at its locked position, the bias of the spring 54 will cause the follower means 50 to pivot and position the roller or detent 51 in the seat or indent 48. This automatic reset prevents the spring 55 from returning the shaft 41 and cam 44 to the unlocked or disarmed position when the tool T is removed. Pivotation of the follower means 50 simultaneously moves the plate 53 out of the path of the solenoid plunger 57 which is biased to its forward position by the leaf spring 58. The solenoid plunger 57 now blocks the path of movement of the plate 53 which prevents the follower means 50 from pivoting and retains the roller or detent 51 in the seat or indent 48.

The control assembly 40 is now in its locked or armed condition and the tool T is removed.

The line of the anchor A is inserted into slots 32 of the clevis 30, the hook 36 is positioned with its lug 38 in the slot 43 of the shaft end 42 and its slot 37 receiving the anchor line to prevent its release from the slots 32. The clevis pin 39 is now inserted or replaced and suitably locked in position by cotter pins (as shown), snap rings or any other suitable means to pivotally connect the hook 36 to the clevis 30. The hook 36, at this time, is prevented from or locked against pivoting by the lug 38 held in the slot 43 which is not aligned to permit release or uncoupling of the anchor line. When the buoy or buoyant package B is suitably connected and the circuit and power sections of the connector device C are suitably conditioned, the anchor A, buoy or buoyant package B and connector device C can be put overboard and submerged as a unit. It should be understood that the buoy B which tends to normally float at the surface of the water and the anchor A holding the buoy submerged put the connector device C under tension which will cause the anchor line to be uncoupled when the hook 36 is released for pivotation by the slot 43.

When the buoy B is to be retrieved, a coded signal is provided which is received and converted by the transducer 11 to an electric or voltage signal. In response to the electric or voltage signal the power source 20, controlled by the appropriate circuit in the electronic package 15, energizes the solenoid 56 causing its plunger 57 to retract against the force of the leaf spring 58 and the follower means 50 is now free to pivot against the spring 54. Alternatively,, a time initiated signal may be provided to energize the solenoid 56.

The force of spring 55 now causes the shaft 41 and cam 44 to rotate away from the locked or armed position to the unlocked or disarmed position. The initial rotation of the cam 44, when the follower means 50 is free to pivot, causes the roller or detent 51 to leave the seat or indent 48 thus permitting the cam and shaft 41 to be freely rotated further until they assume the unlocked or disarmed position. At this time, the slot 43 is aligned with the path of movement of lug 38 thereby freeing the hook 36 to pivot and uncouple the anchor line due to the opposing forces on the connector device C from the anchor A and the buoy B, heretofore described. The buoy B and the connector device C now are free and rise to the surface.

To advise a retriever that the coded signals have unlocked or disarmed the control assembly 40 for uncoupling, the electronic package 15 may be provided with a pinger means (not shown) controlled by the NO. precision switch 59. When the plunger 37 retracts, due to energization of the solenoid 36, displacement or deflection of the leaf spring 38 closes the precision switch 39 and thereby energizes the pinger mechanism.

Although but a single embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Various changes may also be made in the design and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as the same will now be understood by those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. In a releasable connector, the combination comprising releasable coupling means including a relatively fixed member and a relatively movable member pivotally connected to said fixed member for movement between a coupling and an uncoupling position;

control means rotatable between an armed position for engaging and holding said movable member in its coupling position, and a disarmed position for releasing said movable member for pivotal movement to its uncoupling position;

biasing means urging said control means to its disarmed position; and

locking means for engaging and retaining said control means in its armed position and, in response to an electrical signal, releasing said control means for rotation by said biasing means to its disarmed position. 2. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a sealed pressure housing, and said fixed member being connected to and external of one end ofsaid housing; said biasing and locking means being disposed within said housing; and said control means being disposed within said housing and extending axially through said one end of said housing. 3. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 2, and

said control means being adapted for engagement external of said housing and manual rotation to its armed position,

and said locking means being automatically reset to retain said control means when said control means is rotated to its armed position. 4. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 3, and

said control means including a rotatable shaft which extend axially through said one end of said housing thereby providing an exposed shaft end; said exposed shaft end being provided with a slot open at one end for receiving at least part of said movable member; and i said slot being aligned with the path of movement of said movable member when said control means is'in its disarmed position, and misaligned when said control means is in its armed position. 5. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 4, and

said movable member being formed at one end to be received and held in the slot of said exposed shaft end. 6. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 4, and

said control means further including a cam member fixedly mounted on said shaft for rotation in unison; said cam member being provided with indent means; and said locking means being provided with detent means for engaging said indent means thereby retaining said control means in its armed position. 7. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 4, and

said control means further including a cam member fixedly mounted on and rotatable with said shaft; said cam member being provided with a seat; said locking means including a cam follower and spring means; said cam follower having a pivotally supported end and a free end; and said spring means biasing said cam follower to pivot thereby holding said free end against said cam member and onto said seat thereby retaining said control means in its armed position. I 8. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 7 and said locking means further including a solenoid with a plunger biased to block said cam follower from pivoting when its free end is disposed on the seat of said cam member; and said plunger, when said solenoid is energized, being moved against its bias and out of the path of movement of said cam follower. 

1. In a releasable connector, the combination comprising releasable coupling means including a relatively fixed member and a relatively movable member pivotally connected to said fixed member for movement between a coupling and an uncoupling position; control means rotatable between an armed position for engaging and holding said movable member in its coupling position, and a disarmed position for releasing said movable member for pivotal movement to its uncoupling position; biasing means urging said control means to its disarmed position; and locking means for engaging and retaining said control means in its armed position and, in response to an electrical signal, releasing said control means for rotation by said biasing means to its disarmed position.
 2. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a sealed pressure housing, and said fixed member being connected to and external of one end of said housing; said biasing and locking means being disposed within said housing; and said control means being disposed within said housing and extending axially through said one end of said housing.
 3. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 2, and said control means being adapted for engagement external of said housing and manual rotation to its armed position; and said locking means being automatically reset to retain said control means when said control means is rotated to its armed position.
 4. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 3, and said control means including a rotatable shaft which extend axially through said one end of said housing thereby providing an exposed shaft end; said exposed shaft end being provided with a slot open at one end for receiving at least part of said movable member; and said slot being aligned with the path of movement of said movable member when said control means is in its disarmed position, and misaligned when said control means is in its armed position.
 5. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 4, and said movable member being formed at one end to be received and held in the slot of said exposed shaft end.
 6. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 4, and said control means further including a cam member fixedly mounted on said shaft for rotation in unison; said cam member being provided with indent means; and said locking means being provided with detent means for engaging said indent means thereby retaining said control means in its armed position.
 7. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 4, and said control means further including a cam member fixedly mounted on and rotatable with said shaft; said cam member being provided with a seat; said locking means including a cam follower and spring means; said cam follower having a pivotally supported end and a free end; and said spring means biasing said cam follower to pivot thereby holding said free end against said cam member and onto said seat thereby retaining said control means in its armed position.
 8. In a releasable connector, the combination in accordance with claim 7, and said locking means further including a solenoid with a plunger biased to block said cam follower from pivoting when its free end is disposed on the seat of said cam member; and said plunGer, when said solenoid is energized, being moved against its bias and out of the path of movement of said cam follower. 